Sugar Land Hit and Run Accident Lawyer

The Texas transportation code requires parties involved in a car accident to stop at the scene of the accident to exchange insurance information and contact details with other affected road users. If a motorist fails to do so, this is referred to as a hit-and-run accident.

Hit-and-run accidents may include a collision between two cars in motion, a vehicle striking a bicyclist or a pedestrian, or a motorist hitting a stationary object such as a building or a parked car. Depending on the nature of damages or personal injuries that occur, a hit and run violation may be prosecuted as a felony or a misdemeanor.

Guidelines for Drivers in the Event of an Accident

Drivers involved in car accidents are required to follow the guidelines below:

A driver should return to the scene of any crash that leads to injury or death to offer assistance, share relevant personal information, and produce a valid driving license when requested by law enforcement agents. A driver should observe these guidelines in the case of an accident that involves an occupied vehicle.
If a traffic accident involved an unoccupied vehicle, the motorist should stop, look for the owner, and give out personal contact information if asked to do so. If the driver cannot locate the owner of the unoccupied vehicle, he or she should leave a note that explains the incident, along with personal contact information.
A driver should stop and take appropriate action if an accident leads to damages to highway fixtures or landscaping. If the damages exceed $1,000, the driver should also file a police report.

Penalties for Hit and Run Accidents

Leaving an accident scene can result in surprisingly harsh penalties. A suspect could be arrested and detained until the jury’s procedural rulings are finalized. Once a motorist is convicted of leaving an accident scene, the punishments below may be levied against them:

A fine of up to $500 for a Class C misdemeanor
Up to 6 months in a county jail for a Class B misdemeanor
No more than $5,000 in fines or up to 5 years in prison for a felony hit and run
Up to 10 years in prison for a third-degree felony
A hit and run conviction could also lead to community service or probation if the offender has not been convicted of any felony before and if no one was killed in the accident

What Should you do After a Hit and Run Accident in Sugar Land?

If you have been involved in a Sugar Land TX hit and run accident, our auto accident attorneys recommend you to take the steps below:

Inform the police: Do not attempt to follow the other driver as this could lead to more harm
Take notes: If in a position to do so, write down the model and make of the car, the license plate number, and the other driver’s description
Look for witnesses: In case anyone stopped by as a witness, save their contact information
Notify your insurer: Although it is the responsibility of the at-fault motorist to cover your damages, your insurance company may be responsible for compensating your losses if the other driver fled the scene unidentified, and in this case, your uninsured motorist coverage will be used to cover for your injuries, damages, and income losses
Get legal help: Our Sugar Land hit and run accident attorneys will help you gather the evidence needed to build a case against the hit and run driver so as to get you fair compensation. If your insurance company or that of the negligent road user fails to pay you or offers low-ball compensation, our lawyers will hold aggressive negotiations and seek a better settlement in court as needed

What Compensation Are You Entitled to From a Hit-and-Run Accident?

Like any other accident claim, you are entitled to fair compensation for losses or damages incurred from a hit-and-run accident. Our lawyers will see to it that you file for a full settlement that includes compensation for:

Medical bills related to the accident
Lost income
Mental/emotional anguish
reduced earning capacity
Loss of consortium/companionship
Pain and suffering
Funeral and burial expenses in the event of a wrongful death
A potential loss of inheritance

Time is of the Essence. Contact Us Today!

The sooner you have a lawyer by your side, the quicker the investigation and evidence gathering processes will be. We will work to track down the hit-and-run driver using the details you provide us with, as well as evidence gathered in the form of security camera footage, eyewitness testimonies, police reports, dashboard camera footage, and even from social media connections, amongst others.

If the negligent motorist cannot be found, you can count on our ability to get the most out of your uninsured motorist cover. Get started with a free case review by calling 713-677-2159. We will provide you with a free consultation to understand your legal options. From there, we will provide you with quality, contingency-based representation – pay nothing until your case is won. Call now.